What we can do for
Children and Young People / Ko ngā tamariki me ngā Rangatahi
We’re here to help every child in New Zealand have the best start in life and grow up in a safe and happy environment.
As they grow, we can help young people achieve their potential and gain the tools they need to make good decisions for their futures.
How can we help?
Child, Youth and Family
We work with families to ensure children and young people are safe and live in an environment in which they thrive. We provide families with support to raise confident, secure children.
Ministry of Youth Development
We work with government agencies and others to make sure they consider the best interests of young people. We can help you find ways to get involved in the world around you and make sure your voice is heard in decisions that affect your future.
Family and Community Services
We help children and young people achieve their potential. Getting involved early in a child's life provides the greatest opportunity to change the life course of children at risk of poor health, low educational achievement and anti-social behaviour.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) is history's most ratified human rights treaty, and one of the United Nations' core human rights instruments.
The Ministry of Social Development coordinates New Zealand's UNCROC activity and its reporting to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Accessing our Services
Information about the services the Ministry offers is provided online in New Zealand Sign Language. This resource was produced in collaboration with Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand.
We also offer support through...
Help for young people to make a great start at adult life, offering support with education, training and work.
LSV is a six-week motivational course run by the New Zealand Defence Force. It aims to increase the number of young people entering employment or training by improving their self-discipline, self confidence, motivation and initiative.
Changing the way New Zealanders think and act, 'Family Violence - It's Not OK' provides information on family violence and where to go to get help.
A new initiative that aims to ensure quality community providers of services to children and young people have the funding they need.
You and your family don't have to face life's challenges alone.
Helping families build their resilience and resources so they have the skills and knowledge to manage their own futures well.
